The first shipment, weighing 16.2 tonnes and valued at about KRW60 million (roughly US$43,000), will be distributed to major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Vietnam’s climate is generally unsuitable for pear cultivation, except in certain northern mountainous provinces like Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang and Cao Bang, where cool weather and high altitudes allow small-scale production. However, locally grown pears are typically small in size, have a short harvest season of just two months, and are highly perishable without cold storage.

The Jeonbuk Agricultural Cooperative and Jeonju Horticultural Cooperative aim to position their pears as a “premium fruit” in the Vietnamese market. Exporters are highlighting the fruit’s superior sweetness, freshness, and strict safety standards to stand out in Southeast Asia, where cheap Chinese pears dominate.

Looking ahead, the cooperatives plan to expand their footprint in the region by exporting around 200 tonnes of pears to other countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.

Jeonju Horticultural Cooperative Chairman Lim Jong-gyeong emphasised that the shipment reflects the joint efforts of farmers and cooperatives. Despite fierce competition from Chinese fruit, Jeonbuk pears are expected to lead the Southeast Asian market thanks to their high quality and food safety compliance.

He also said that along with boosting exports, the cooperatives are committed to building sustainable agriculture and rural communities.

Fruit and vegetable exports to RoK and Thailand surge

VOV.VN - Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Thailand increased sharply during the first quarter of this year, reported the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit).